West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a recommendation from Planning Service to approve the application to develop the Lisanelly Shared Educational campus.

Mr McAleer said: "The recommendation by Planning Service for outline permission, which is subject to ratification by Omagh District Council, represents an important step forward in this hugely important project.

"The educational, social and economic benefits of this important project are well documented and during a meeting in Omagh last week it was revealed that support for the project among young people has consistently registered at over 90 per cent.

"The recent announcement that the Massachusetts Institute for Technology has expressed an interest in partnering in the ‘School of Making’ on the site, has added a international dimension to the project and undoubtedly will help make the campus a leader in educational excellence.

-- Advertisement --

"The proposal is at an advanced design stage and site preparation work is already ongoing. Combined with a firm commitment from the Minister, I am confident that rapid progress can be made on this project.

"I am therefore calling on any of the schools who are considering their options to put the needs of the young people ahead of those of the institution and become part of this once in a lifetime opportunity for world class education provision."

Mr McAleer's party colleague, Cllr Marty Mc Colgan, has also welcomed the development.

Mr Mc Colgan said: "This project is vital to the revitalisation and development of Omagh. For many years areas like Strathroy, Lisanelly and Derry Road had been adversely affected by the imposition of a huge British Military base. The recommendation to approve this project is great news for Omagh particularly in light of the recent setback on the A5 project.

"The community in Omagh has suffered for years due to lack of adequate infrastructure; therefore the establishment of this flagship project will have a huge positive impact locally. The relocation of schools to the Lisanelly site will also free up prime development land, which will hopefully attract much needed investment and jobs to the town."

(CD)